Microsoft’s OneDrive stores and sync documents and settings across Windows 10 users’ devices. However, the app does not work as intended, with some users complaining that OneDrive is constantly syncing.
This might be due to OneDrive’s sync settings on your PC or some other factors. Whatever the cause, we have prepared the solutions to help you fix the issue in this guide.
Why is OneDrive continuously syncing?
The reasons OneDrive is constantly syncing are not far-fetched. Below are some of the common ones listed by users:
Unstable internet connection: If OneDrive is constantly syncing or shows sync pending, it might be because of weak internet strength. The app needs a strong and active network to sync effectively. Hence, you need to switch to another network if your internet connection is limited.
Insufficient cloud storage: Depending on your package, there is a limit to the size of the folder you can sync to OneDrive. If you are trying to upload a file that is above the memory storage, it might be stuck at syncing. You can either use more storage space or switch to another cloud storage for Windows 10.
Issues with the app: Sometimes, OneDrive keeps syncing the same files due to glitches within the app. In this case, you need to restart the app or uninstall it with dedicated uninstaller software.
How can I fix OneDrive if it’s constantly syncing?
Before exploring our fixes and making changes to your PC, we recommend trying the preliminary troubleshooting steps below:
Ensure that your internet connection is solid and active
Check that you are connected to your Microsoft account.
Disconnect and reconnect your internet
1. Pause and resume syncing
Right-click the Cloud icon on the Taskbar and click the Gear icon in the top right corner.
Click the Pause syncing option and select the duration to pause it.
Now, wait a few minutes, repeat Step 1, and choose Resume syncing.
In some cases, the OneDrive constantly syncing issue is down to hiccups encountered by the app during the sync. Pausing and resuming the process should clear this up.
2. Restart OneDrive
Press the Windows key + X and select the Task Manager option.
Right-click the Microsoft OneDrive option and select End task.
Now, click the Start icon and search for OneDrive to restart the app.
Sometimes, it is just minor in-app glitches that are causing the OneDrive constantly syncing issue. Restarting the app from Taskbar solves this and other matters like OneDrive processing changes.
3. Check storage
Right-click the OneDrive icon on the Taskbar and click the Gear icon.
Choose the Settings option.
Click the Account tab at the top and check your available storage.
Finally, click the Get more storage option and select your preferred plan.
OneDrive has varying storage capacities depending on your package. If you do not have enough storage space to sync the files you are trying to upload, you might face the OneDrive constantly syncing issue.
In this case, you can purchase additional space to sync your files.
4. Choose folders to sync
Right-click OneDrive on Taskbar and click the Gear icon.
Select the Settings option.
Choose the Backup tab at the top and click the Manage backup button.
Now, unmark the folders you don’t want to sync and click the Start backup button.
At times, you might be trying to sync too many heavy folders at a time. This can lead to the OneDrive constantly syncing issue. In this case, you must remove unnecessary folders and sync the important ones first.
5. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter
Press the Windows key + I and select the Update & Security option.
Click Troubleshoot in the left pane and select Additional troubleshooters.
Now, select the Windows Store Apps option and click Run the troubleshooter.
Finally, apply any recommended fixes and restart OneDrive
The Microsoft Store Apps troubleshooter helps diagnose issues with Microsoft apps and others downloaded from the Store. This tool helped fix the OneDrive constantly fixing issues for some users. So, it would be best if you tried it too.
6. Unlink the account
Click the OneDrive icon on the notification area of your Taskbar and click the Gear icon in the top left corner.
Select the Settings option.
Now, select the Unlink this PC option.
Click the Unlink account button to confirm the action.
Finally, relaunch OneDrive from the Start Menu and follow the onscreen instructions to set up your account again.
Another effective fix for the OneDrive constantly syncing issue is to unlink your account. With this, you will be able to set up your account again and hopefully clear any roadblocks preventing your apps from syncing.
If all the fixes above fail to solve the OneDrive constantly syncing problem, you might need to go for the jugular and reinstall the app. This should give a clean installation that is devoid of issues.
There you have it: The steps you need to follow if OneDrive is constantly syncing on your PC. All that is left for you is to follow them carefully, and you will be able to sync your files again.
In the same vein, if you need a list of the best cloud storage apps for Windows PC as an alternative to OneDrive, check our detailed guide for the security options you can use today.
Feel free to let us know the fix that helped you solve this problem in the comments below.
We’re sure that some of you remember that, back in November 2020, Microsoft announced that it is deprecating the Outlook REST API beta and Outlook REST API v2.0 endpoints.
As the company mentioned, this would be a two-year process as a part of Microsoft’s regular service deprecation policy.
Here we are, at the end of this two-year period, and Microsoft has now announced that it is delaying this deprecation indefinitely.
Outlook REST API deprecation will happen in 2023
Since we are talking about Outlook, just know that if the app won’t open, we have some solutions that will help you fix the situation.
You will also find the assistance you need if your Outlook is running slow, so you don’t need to look any further for answers.
Circling back to the matter at hand, the tech giant actually cited customer and partner feedback as the reasons behind its decision.
From what we can see, users of the API are not ready to let go of it completely and switch to Microsoft Graph, an action that would require somewhat major changes to current applications and use cases.
Note that Microsoft has cautioned customers to not get too comfortable with this delay or think that it’s a long-term option.
Even though the deprecation has been delayed indefinitely, Microsoft has emphasized that it will still happen in 2023 and that users will be given a six-month notice ahead of the deadline.
If you weren’t already aware, the Outlook REST API is being used by developers in applications that manage mailbox data, Calendars, Contacts, push notifications, and more.
The Redmond-based tech company has considered it a legacy surface since 2020 and has been encouraging customers to migrate to Microsoft Graph.
As you might have expected, once the Outlook REST API is inevitably deprecated, developers will no longer have access to the endpoint and the creation of new applications based on the API will be disabled.
Since nobody knows, it remains to be seen what the deprecation date ends up being next year and the kind of impact it would have on current use cases and scenarios.
What is your take on this entire situation? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.
In this guide, you’ll learn four safe and tested ways to disable Driver Signature Enforcement on Windows.
Whether you’re dealing with unsigned device drivers or troubleshooting specific hardware compatibility, this step-by-step guide will help you do it right, without leaving your system exposed.
How do I disable enforcement signature?
1. Change the Startup settings
This is the simplest way to disable driver signature enforcement on Windows 10 but bear in mind that this method will only disable driver signature temporarily.
After you restart your computer driver signature enforcement will automatically turn itself on.
To disable driver signature enforcement do the following:
1. Press and hold theShiftkey on yourkeyboardand click theRestartbutton.
3. When your computer restarts you’ll see a list of options. PressF7on your keyboard to selectDisable driver signature enforcement.
4. Your computer will now restart and you’ll be able to install unsigned drivers.
Bear in mind that this method only temporarily disables driver signature enforcement, so be sure to install all the unsigned drivers as soon as you can.
You can automatically install the drivers you need by using dedicated software that installs all of your out-of-date and missing drivers for you.
2. Disable driver signing code
Another solution is to use the Local Group Policy Editor. Keep in mind that you have to be careful while messing with the Policy Editor, and don’t modify anything else.
To disable the driver signing code, follow the steps:
If you don’t want to disable driver signing permanently, you can choose to enter the Windows 10 test mode.
In test mode, you can install any drivers you want without experiencing any problems. Don’t forget to go to normal Windows 10 mode after you solve your problem:
Open an elevated command prompt window on your PC: right-click on the Windows Start icon and select Command prompt (Admin).
In cmd type:bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING OFF
Close the cmd window and restart your computer.
Install your drivers.
Revert back to normal mode: open elevated cmd, enter this command and restart your Windows 10 system:
bcdedit /set TESTSIGNING ON
4. Disable driver signature enforcement Windows 10 permanently
The previous solution will only disable driver signature enforcement temporarily. But if you want to disable it permanently, follow these steps:
Press Windows Key + X to open Power User Menu. Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
Once the Command Prompt opens, enter this command and press Enter: bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks on
Optional: To enable driver signature enforcement back again, open the Command Prompt as administrator and enter:bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks off
Alternatively, you can disable driver signature enforcement by using these steps:
Start Command Prompt as administrator.
When Command Prompt starts, enter the following lines:
Optional: To enable driver signature enforcement open Command Prompt as administrator and enter the following:
bcdedit -set loadoptions ENABLE_INTEGRITY_CHECKS
bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING OFF
Bear in mind that using this solution will disable driver signature enforcement permanently, thus making your computer somewhat vulnerable.
Driver signature enforcement is a useful feature that provides extra protection, but sometimes extra protection can cause problems when installing certain drivers.
We hope that you now understand how driver signature enforcement works and how to disable it in Windows 10.
Issues such as Windows cannot verify digital signature – Code 52 will require you to disable signature enforcement, and this is safe to do, as long as you download drivers from official and trusted sources.
Put in simple terms, a monitor’s refresh rate is the number of times in a second that it updates its buffer. This translates to a smoother gameplay experience, and a high value is great for action games or competitive games where every millisecond counts.
Of course, when buying a gaming monitor, there are other aspects you should look for, but in terms of how it can help your performance, a high refresh rate is one of the key factors you should take into consideration, and 144Hz is considered to be a very good value.
There are plenty of monitors and brands out there that have a refresh rate of 144Hz or even higher. As such, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best ones you can buy, so making a choice will now be a lot easier.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
144Hz monitors are all about gaming because you need fast refresh rates to keep up with ultra-fast online gaming.
Well, you’ll have all that and more if you go with the AOC G2490VX since this monitor will transform the way you view everything on your PC.
The 3-sided frameless design allows better immersion into what you are watching, while the crystal-clear image quality will let you see every detail in all of your games, movies, pictures, and more.
In order to have an unparalleled device optimized for gaming purposes, this valuable monitor offers you immersive graphics with 144Hz and QHD resolution for a crystal-clear looking.
The Samsung G5 monitor is entirely built for gaming in terms of hardware resources. Hence, it provides you with AMD Freesync adaptative that will reduce game lag and stuttering for all your games.
So you can enjoy cutting-edge features that will highly improve your gaming world due to leading monitor performance.
The Acer Predator XB273K is a virtual monster in the gaming battlefield thanks to the Ultra HD display with 4K resolution and no compromises on gaming performance, color, or speed.
This massive 27-inch (3840 x 2160) monitor includes an IPS panel that supports a blazing-fast 144Hz refresh rate alongside the Nvidia G-SYNC technology that makes gaming feel all the more smooth.
The AOC C24G1 is a 24-inch class curved gaming monitor that ensures a stutter-free and tear-free gaming experience at any frame rate, regardless of how intense the match is.
It comes equipped with a curved 23.6-inch VA panel, and the super-detailed full HD resolution (1920×1080 pixels) and 144 Hz refresh rate will make your games feel immersive without sacrificing responsiveness.
The Sceptre E255B-1658A pushes beyond the standard 144Hz, as the 165Hz gives gamers an edge in visibility as frames transition instantly, for an extra competitive edge in gaming.
Of course, this is just one of the many great features this monitor displays, as we can also mention the 24.5-inch diagonal, 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, and great 1920 x 1080 resolution.
We believe that when you are in an online match, having skill is the most important aspect above all, but we’d be lying if we’d say that getting help from your hardware isn’t also important.
While a high refresh rate is just one aspect of what makes a gaming monitor good, it is indeed one of the most important, as split-second mistakes can mean the difference between life and (virtual) death.
As such, take care when choosing the right monitors, and try to balance out the price, and all the other features it has to offer.
It also helps if the monitor has built-in image sync software, such as those that have AMD Sync.
For those of you that remember, over a year ago, Microsoft brought Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) to the Microsoft Store on Windows 11 in a preview state.
Windows Subsystem for Linux is a very useful capability that Microsoft added to Windows 10 in 2017, which enables developers to run GNU/Linux environments directly in Windows without requiring virtual machines (VMs) or dual-boot configurations.
You will be extra pleased to learn that today, Microsoft has made WSL generally available in the Microsoft Store for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
WSL is no longer just a Preview on the Microsoft Store
That being said, with the release of version 1.0.0 of WSL, Microsoft has ditched the previous Preview tag it had for the software.
Furthermore, it has made this variant of WSL the default experience for people who run the wsl –install or wsl –update commands.
The tech giant also mentioned several advantages of installing the Store version of WSL., which include faster updates, better error printing, WSLg and WSL packed in a single package, and the ability to opt-in for systemd support, among other things.
Some of the other improvements introduced by backporting the Microsoft Store version of WSL to Windows 10 and making it the default experience on both OSes also include:
wsl.exe –install will now automatically install the Store version of WSL, and will no longer enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component, or install the WSL kernel or WSLg MSI packages as they are no longer needed (The Virtual machine platform optional component will still be enabled, and by default Ubuntu will still be installed).
wsl.exe –install` also now includes:
–inbox Installs WSL using the optional Windows component instead of using the Microsoft Store
–enable-wsl1 Enables WSL 1 support during the install of the Microsoft Store version by also enabling the Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component
–no-distribution Do not install a distribution when installing WSL
–no-launch Do not automatically launch the distro after install
–web-download Download the most recent version of WSL from the internet instead of the Microsoft Store.
wsl.exe –update will now check for and apply updates for the WSL MSIX package from the Microsoft Store, rather than updating the WSL kernel MSI
When running WSL using the Windows optional component version, once a week we will show a message on start up indicating that you can upgrade to the Store version by running wsl –update.
We should also inform you that there is a known issue in the Microsoft Store release though, which is that WSL may fail to start if you are running in a session 0 session.
For the time being, this new experience of WSL is only available to seekers, but it will be rolled out automatically to everyone by mid-December 2022.
If you didn’t know, the seeker process involves checking for Windows updates and then installing KB5020030 if you’re on Windows 10, or KB5019157 if you’re on Windows 11.
Note that you can then run the wsl –install (new users) or wsl –update (existing users) commands to get the Microsoft Store version of WSL, or just manually install the latest release from GitHub.
Please keep in mind that if you’re running a WSL 1 distro, you still need to manually install the Windows Subsystem for Linux optional component.
More importantly, the built-in Windows version of WSL will only receive critical bug fixes moving forward, new features will be exclusive to the Microsoft Store version.
And remember that you can download Windows Subsystem for Linux from the Microsoft Store here whenever you choose.
Have you tried out the new version of Windows Subsystem for Linux? Share your experience with us in the comments section below.
According to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap, Microsoft is adding a new capability across multiple Whiteboard clients, that is, Whiteboard for the web, Whiteboard app in Teams, and Whiteboard for Windows. The feature tagged 98161, will let users copy/paste live Loop components from other Microsoft 365 apps.
Microsoft already added Loop Components in Microsoft Teams Chat. The feature is designed to provide users with a unique way that allows them to think, plan, and create together, regardless of their location, especially with the rise in hybrid work.
The feature lets users send out components such as tables or task lists, then everyone with access can make edits as well as view the changes that have already been made. In turn, this makes it easier for people to work together on projects, exchange ideas, and make decisions.
According to Microsoft:
Users will be able to copy/paste, view and edit live Loop components in Whiteboard. This functionality is controlled by the Create and view Loop files in Microsoft apps that support Loop OCPS policy, which applies to all Microsoft apps that support Loop components.
This feature is expected to start rolling out in early December and hit general availability by late December. However, it is worth noting that those using Whiteboard on their mobile devices will only be able to view and edit Loop components. Although Microsoft has indicated that it will be adding the capability to copy/paste Loop Components in a future update.
As the holidays draw near things are definitely heating up when it comes to new Xbox releases. Next week’s lineup is looking pretty sweet with some pretty high-profile titles set to release on Xbox One and Series X|S consoles (as well as Windows PCs) between November 28th and December 2nd. Let’s have a look at everything Xbox gamers have to look forward to next week in the way of new titles.
In this narrative-driven, third-person survival horror game set 300 years in the future, the player will take on the role of Jacob Lee – a victim of fate thrown into Black Iron Prison, a maximum-security penitentiary located on Jupiter’s moon, Callisto. When inmates begin to transform into monstrous creatures, the prison is thrown into chaos. To survive, Jacob must battle his way to safety to escape Black Iron Prison, while uncovering the dark and disturbing secrets buried beneath the surface of Callisto. Using a unique blend of shooting and close-quarters combat, Jacob will need to adapt his tactics to combat the rapidly evolving creatures while scavenging to unlock new weapons, gear, and abilities to outrun the growing threat and escape the horrors of Jupiter’s Dead Moon.
When the demonic Lilith and her fearsome horde unite with the evil armies of Hydra, it’s time to unleash Marvel’s dark side. As The Hunter, your mission is to lead an unlikely team of seasoned heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors to victory. Can legends such as Doctor Strange, Iron Man, and Blade put aside their differences in the face of a growing apocalyptic threat? If you’re going to save the world, you’ll have to forge alliances and lead the team into battle as the legendary Midnight Suns.
The world is your canvas in Need for Speed™ Unbound. Prove you have what it takes to win The Grand, Lakeshore’s ultimate street racing challenge. Across four intense weeks of racing, earn enough cash to enter weekly qualifiers, beat the competition, and make your mark on the street racing scene while outdriving and outsmarting the cops. Pack your garage with precision-tuned, custom rides and light up the streets with your unique style, exclusive fits, and a vibrant global soundtrack led by A$AP Rocky and AWGE that bumps in every corner of the world. Express yourself to the fullest with the freshest new art styles and signature tags that represent what you’re all about. With separate single and multiplayer campaigns, this latest edition in the Need for Speed™ franchise from Criterion Games™ delivers hours of electric, adrenaline-pumping action.
While it may be a shorter roster of new releases than what we are used to seeing, it is definitely a matter of quality over quantity with next week’s new Xbox games. Which of these new releases has got you pumped? Tell us in the comments.
Back in March, Microsoft acquired Minit, a leader in process mining technology that helps businesses revolutionize the way they analyze and optimize their processes. Microsoft’s motive behind this acquisition was to assist its customers to “digitally transform and drive operational excellence by creating a complete picture of their business processes, enabling every process to be easily and automatically analyzed and improved”.
Building upon this premise, Microsoft has announced the preview of new process mining capabilities from Minit that will be availed to users via the process advisor within Microsoft Power Automate. As such, “Microsoft customers can now harness deeper insights to identify bottlenecks in processes to drive optimization and efficiencies with low-code automation”.
The process advisor is now powered by Minit, which now incorporates several templates that are designed to enable clients to easily push impactful business process insights from cloud flows in Power Automate as well as insights from Microsoft Power Virtual Agents and other systems of records like SAP. In turn, this will place businesses at a better standing point because they will be able to understand, enhance and adapt their processes in the ever-evolving market.
Besides the fact that the process advisor can be used by analysts to understand how the processes are run and uncover the root cause analysis, business users can also make use of the tool’s process mining dashboards to evaluate how the business is progressing in real-time and even allow them to identify opportunities that will promote both efficiency and effectiveness.
What’s more, with the newly added capabilities within Power Automate, customers will be able to identify bottlenecks in their processes and reduce complexity and costs. The capabilities incorporate include:
Templates to drive optimization with low-code automation
Business insights by pulling from cloud flows in Power Automate, Power Virtual Agents, and other systems of records such as SAP
Automatically identifying repeating activities across processes, pinpointing the root cause and impact of rework and eliminating it
Easily customizable and shareable reports that can be published to workspaces with Power BI Premium
Be sure to visit Microsoft’s blog to get more information about these capabilities and how to make the most out of them. To access these features and more, you’ll need a Power Automate license since the Process advisor is licensed as part of Power Automate per-user licenses. Alternatively, you can use the Power Automate trial.
Microphones are a critical piece of equipment when it comes to recording stuff. And, it becomes all the more important for bloggers or those in the field of recording.
Therefore, we come forth to you with the best deals on Rode microphones this year.
These microphones offer both quality and extended life, over their competitors in the market. So, if you have been planning to purchase one for either personal or professional use, Rode microphones are the answer.
Depending on the exact environment in which you plan on using your microphone, your choice will need to have specific features.
In case you’re going to use it as a lavalier, then the device should be easy to clip on clothes and light, while if you’re planning on using it for singing, it is recommended that you choose an option with a condenser.
But, before you proceed, do identify your requirements and choose the ones that cater to all of them.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
Have you been eyeing the dual monitor? Well, there is no time like the present. Amazon has amazing deals on dual monitors this year. Definitely, there is something for you here.
Apart from the fact that a dual monitor allows gamers to multitask while playing their favorite video games, the extra screen can serve as a desktop for video streaming, web browsing, or displaying walkthroughs.
Having an extra screen also provides you with other great features, like being able to play games while using streaming tools, coding while seeing the preview of the website or app that you’re building, etc.
Besides, another advantage that gamers will surely appreciate is the ability of the dual monitor setup to embrace immersive gameplay. All this time, leaving you with an extra monitor to cater to all your other needs.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
However, before you settle on the dual monitor that you have always desired you should consider the following features:
Screen size
Computer connectivity
Mounts and adjustments
Bezels width
The above features will help you narrow down your choices from the wide array of products that are on sale. With the amazing Cyber Monday deals available on Amazon you might end up being spoilt for choice.
We made sure to include a variety of offers found by researching the subject in-depth, so we hope that you will find the perfect fit for your circumstances.
Which of the above-listed products did you settle on? We’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Black Friday is just around the corner, and Xbox gamers aren’t being left out of the great deals going on for this year’s Black Friday event. Xbox is having a huge sale with literally hundreds of games available at big discounts. So there has never been a better time to grab those games you’ve always wanted at awesome prices. There is way too much for us to go into here, so let’s just check out some of the highlights of the Xbox Black Friday Sale.
Deathloop: 67% off at $19.79
Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla: Deluxe Edition: 67% off at $26.39
Red Dead Redemption 2: 67% off at $19.79
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice—GOTY Edition: 50% off at $29.99
Far Cry 6 Game of the Year Edition: 50% off at $59.99
Cyberpunk 2077: 50% $29.99
Borderlands 3: 75% off at $14.99
Skyrim Anniversary Edition + Fallout 4 G.O.T.Y. Bundle: 60% off at $31.99
Resident Evil Village: 25% off at $29.99
Soul Calibur 6: 85% off at $8.99
The Crew 2: Gold Edition: 80% off at $17.99
The Elder Scrolls Online: 70% off at $5.99
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt—Game of the Year Edition: 80% off at $9.99
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: 50% off at $29.99
As stated, the above is just a few of the highlights from the massive Xbox Black Friday Sale. there are hundreds more games at huge discounts like the ones above, from some of the hottest franchises in gaming. And there are plenty of classic titles included in the sale, too, as well as great deals on DLC. These Black Friday deals are available through November 29th, so be sure to grab them up while they last.
A new investigation into cloud gaming and browser support for UK consumers may favor Microsoft’s plan to open up a competing mobile gaming app platform, if it can get close its Activision Blizzard deal.
According to a press release from Gov.UK, “The CMA has launched a market investigation into cloud gaming and mobile browsers after receiving widespread support for its proposals first published in June.”
The investigation into how pivotal a role browsers will play in the proliferation of mobile gaming comes on the heels of a Mobile Ecosystem Market Study report that’s eyeing the Google and Apple duopoly in mobile ecosystems as a potential consumer harm in the future.
Responses to the consultation, which have been published today, reveal substantial support for a fuller investigation into the way that Apple and Google dominate the mobile browser market and how Apple restricts cloud gaming through its App Store. Many of those came from browser vendors, web developers, and cloud gaming service providers who say that the status quo is harming their businesses, holding back innovation, and adding unnecessary costs.
Specifically, the CMA is looking into how Google may or may not be violating existing competition laws with how it handles in-app payments for certain digital goods by users. Apple will also face scrutiny as the CMA crowdsources data points from developers who can speak to engine preferences for browsers, Apple’s “underinvestment in its browser technology,” and stagnation in web app support.
Enter Microsoft, who has made reference to an attempt to leverage its bid for Activision Blizzard as a way to offer its own mobile gaming alternative to Apple and Google’s app store duopoly.
Per Microsoft’s own filings with the UK’s Competiton & Markets Authority, “Building on Activision Blizzard’s existing communities of gamers, Xbox will seek to scale the Xbox Store to mobile, attracting gamers to a new Xbox Mobile Platform. Shifting consumers away from the Google Play Store and App Store on mobile devices will, however, require a major shift in consumer behavior. Microsoft hopes that by offering well-known and popular content, gamers will be more inclined to try something new.”
Presumably Microsoft will use titles such as Call of Duty Mobile, Candy Crush, Bubble Witch Saga, and more to lure users to its own 3rd party mobile game store.
Microsoft’s acquisition bid for Activision Blizzard is still being scrutinized by the EU, UK and Chinese regulatory authorities currently and isn’t expected to have a final conclusion until mid 2023, but if all goes according to the company’s plan, a web-based mobile gaming store could be viable alternative for gamers internationally.
The Rainbow Six Siege video game is finally set to get cross-play support for both Xbox and PlayStation players next month in its latest update on December 6th.
Once live, the new cross-play feature will essentially merge the Xbox and PlayStation playerbases in matches, increasing the number of players on individual servers significantly. Player progression will also sync between all platforms via connected Ubisoft Connect accounts which should allow those who own both a PlayStation and Xbox console to alternate between consoles, Windows PC, and cloud devices without losing progress or stats.
Rainbow Six Siege is available on the last gen Xbox One and PlayStation 4 consoles and the current-gen Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 console families. Depending on how you look at it, this could be interpreted as cross-play being added to four console platforms.
Unfortunately, while cross-progression for player data is across the board, cross-play between Xbox and PlayStation and the cloud streaming and Windows PC versions of the game will not be supported. At least for now.
To clarify, cross-platform will allow the saving of data across all platforms. Cross-play will allow Xbox and PlayStation players to play together in console matches while Windows PC and cloud players can play together.
Rainbow Six Siege launched on Xbox One consoles way back in late-2015. While the Xbox One version was playable on Xbox Series X consoles, a native current-gen version of Rainbow Six Siege eventually launched in late-2020 that added a variety of visual and gameplay improvements to take advantage of the modern hardware.
Sleep Mode is one of the most valuable features of the Windows 11 operating system. It puts your device in a low-power state and lets you get back exactly where you left off.
It’s a great way to save on electricity without turning off your system and avoids the hassle of having to open all of your apps again.
It’s best used when you’re away from your computer for a short while. The Sleep mode, like hibernation, ensures that your power supply unit doesn’t overheat from extended use.
Users have reported that sleep mode is not working on their Windows 11 devices.
In this guide, we will show you the best ways to fix issues with this superb feature on Windows 11.
Why does my Windows 11 not sleep?
If Windows 11 is not entering Sleep, it might be because of outdated display drivers. You can fix this by updating them manually or with a dedicated tool.
Wrong power settings can also cause this issue. You only need to adjust it here, and things should be back to normal.
What are the differences between Sleep and Hibernation mode?
Windows 11 also has a hibernation mode that is similar to Sleep mode but has a distinct difference.
Whereas Sleep mode puts a computer in a low power state, hibernation mode has the computer take in a minimal amount of power while saving all the current settings on the hard drive. After that, it enters a state of being almost entirely off.
Hibernation mode takes a bit longer to turn on when the computer exits this state. You use this mode when you aren’t using your laptop for an extended period but don’t want to lose anything.
Open the Windows Start menu by clicking the Start menu icon in the taskbar.
Search for the Settings icon and click on it.
Click on the System tab.
In the System section, scroll down to the Power tab.
In the next window, click on the Screen and sleep option.
Customize the specific time the computer will be put to sleep.
After the time has been set, close the window.
If the Sleep mode is not working automatically on Windows 11, it might be because the time settings are too long. By setting the timer yourself, you should be able to fix the issue.
2. Edit power plan settings
Click on the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar to bring up the search bar.
Type Control Panel in the search bar.
Open the first entry you see.
In the Control Panel window, click the Hardware and Sound option.
On the next window, locate and click Power Options.
On the left-hand side, select Change when the computer sleeps.
Configure the settings to the desired time the computer will go to Sleep. As seen in this example, the display will turn off after 5 minutes, and the computer will sleep for 10 minutes.
If the processor fans are still running after activating the Sleep mode on Windows 11, it might be down to your power settings. This fix should restore normalcy in this case.
3. Update display driver
3.1. Update driver manually
Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager.
Double-click on the Display adapters option to expand it.
Right-click on each of the drivers there and select Update driver.
Choose Search automatically for drivers.
This will scan and show any available updates.
After updating your drivers, check if the Windows 11 Sleep mode is still not working.
3.2. Use a driver updater
The Sleep mode not working on Windows 11 issue may appear due to outdated display drivers on your PC.
To resolve power state issues, update graphics drivers with their latest versions. You can perform this action using Control Panel and search for available drivers in your system.
Yet, this process will eat a significant amount of time. But thankfully, you have dedicated software named Outbyte Driver Updater that can update old or broken drivers immediately.
This tool will scan your system for outdated drivers in seconds and find the official drivers from its extensive online database.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Scan and update all your drivers automatically with this excellent software for the health of your PC.
It would help if you first made sure hibernation mode was on. Then, click on the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar to bring up the search bar.
In the search bar, type in cmd to bring up the Command Prompt.
Click Run as administrator.
Type the following command and press Enter: powercfg /hibernate on
Restart your computer.
After restarting, click on the magnifying glass icon again.
Type Control Panel and open the first entry.
Click on the Hardware and Sound option.
Click on the Power Options.
Locate the Preferred plans section in the middle of the screen.
Click on Change plan settings next to Balanced (recommended).
In the next window, click Change advanced power settings.
A small window will appear. Locate the Sleep option.
Tap on the (+) plus icon next to Sleep to expand the set of options.
Click on Allow Hybrid Sleep to bring another drop-down menu.
Click Settings and turn off Hybrid mode.
Afterward, move to Multimedia Settings and click on the (+) plus icon next to the entry.
Click on When sharing media.
Click on Prevent idling to Sleep next to Setting.
Select Allow the computer to sleep in the drop-down menu.
Locate PCI Express and click on the (+) plus icon to bring up the drop-down menu.
Click the (+) plus sign next to Link State Power Management.
Next to Setting, click on the drop-down menu and turn it Off.
Once it’s off, hit Apply, then OK.
The Hybrid mode might be why the sleep mode is not working on Windows 11. While this feature is good, combining Sleep and hibernation can affect sleep mode.
Click on the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar to open up the search bar.
Type in Control Panel and click on the first entry.
Click on Hardware and Sound.
In this new window, click Power Options.
Next to the Balanced (recommended) plan, click Change plan settings.
Click Change advanced setting.
Locate Sleep in these new windows and tap the plus (+) icon next to it.
Click Allow wake timer and tap on Setting to bring up a drop-down menu.
In this new menu, select Disable.
6. Deactivate fast startup
Click on the magnifying glass icon on the taskbar to bring up the search bar.
Search for Control Panel and open the first entry you see.
In the Control Panel, click Hardware and Sound.
Click Power Options.
Click Choose what the power button does in the upper left-hand corner.
In the next window, click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Click Turn on fast startup to turn it off and disable the function.
How do I force Sleep in Windows 11?
If your Windows 11 PC is not entering the Sleep mode automatically, you can enable it to sleep with the power button or the keyboard shortcut.
You can make Windows 11 sleep with the Alt + F4 shortcut or the Windows + X via the power user settings. Also, you can force it to Sleep by pressing the power button once.
Issues with the sleep mode on Windows 11 can be frustrating, as it takes away a significant power and time-saving feature. But with the fixes in this guide, you should be able to solve the problem effectively.
Uruguay robbed Ghana of entering the semi-finals in the 2010 World Cup by winning the penalty shoot-out. These two teams will yet again play head-to-head in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The match will be held in the AI Wakrah Sports Club, Qatar on 2nd December 2022 at 17:00 UTC. There will be so much tension among spectators as everyone would want their favorite team to win.
We don’t want you to miss out on seeing these teams tackle their way to the next stage that’s why this article shows you how you can watch Ghana vs Uruguay live.
What channels stream Ghana vs Uruguay?
There are a lot of stations that broadcast FIFA 2022 matches. Below are the official partners for each team’s country:
Ghana:
SuperSport International
New World TV (free to air)
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
Uruguay:
New IP Co., LLP
TyC International B.V
DirecTV Latin America
Monte Carlo TV (Canal 4 TV)
SAETE
Teledoce
Antel (only mobile)
Radio stations are not left out as they will participate in sharing the World Cup updates with those without access to TVs and the internet.
We also found an online service that streams it for free. Learn below how to access it.
How to watch Ghana vs Uruguay for free?
RTVE is a government-owned TV company in Spain that broadcasts through all media, from radio to online platforms. This company with the help of several supporters will air the 2022 World Cup for free.
However, the only option for non-residents of Spain to watch the match remotely on RTVE is with a VPN.
That is because the platform is geo-locked, and normally only available to people that connect from Spain.
Follow the instructions below to watch football matches on RTVE for free:
Connect to a Spanish server. ExpressVPN has options for Madrid and Barcelona.
Open RTVE in your web browser and watch Ghana vs Uruguay.
Not only does it camouflage your true identity, but it also blocks trackers from detecting your presence.
Additionally, VPN blocks your ISP from throttling your internet by masking your IP address. So you’ll be able to enjoy seamless streaming, without limits.
ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth so there really isn’t much to worry about in that regard.
It has 3000+ servers in 94 countries, with a decent number located in Spain. Besides unlocking RTVE to watch Ghana vs Uruguay, you can use it to change your location and access geo-locked content worldwide.
With the DNS leak protection in this VPN, you can rest assured that your information is safe. Its encryption and an automatic kill switch further add to this, making sure you remain untraceable.
The 2022 FIFA world cup team made provision for viewers to watch from different devices. So, whether you are using a TV or mobile phone, ExpressVPN supports them. The VPN secures up to five devices at once.
ExpressVPN
Don’t miss out on the Ghana vs Uruguay match and watch it live with the help of ExpressVPN!
The World Cup 2022 is going to kick off this winter.
We hope you are in for the thrill. Follow our guide to easily watch Ghana vs Uruguay as it unfolds in December.
You know at this point that you don’t have to be limited to the channels that broadcast in your particular country. With a VPN, you get the freedom to access geo-locked platforms from anywhere.
Use the comment section to ask any further questions and let us know how your watching experience went if you decided to use this method.
Using external devices like printers with your PC shouldn’t cause issues with your computer. However, it is common for users to complain about computer rebooting when they print.
Many factors may be responsible for the computer rebooting or shutting down when you want to print. The common culprit is a corrupt or outdated printer driver on your computer. The corrupt driver can cause your PC to crash whenever it tries to access it.
Other factors that are liable to cause your PC to reboot or shutdown when you print are:
Issues with Windows update – Windows users have complained about issues with updating Windows OS on their PC. It can cause problems with your system and the devices connected to it, including the printer. Hence, it results in the PC crashing or rebooting.
Hardware issues – There is no doubt that numerous problems can erupt from a faulty printer or a bad hardware connection. When the printer is not intact, it can cause it to malfunction. Also, if the printer is not correctly connected to your computer, it can cause problems.
Virus or malware infection – The computer can reboot or shut down when printing if a bug or virus infects it. It will impede its operation with other devices and cause it to rebel, resulting in a crash. Check out our recommended list of the best anti-malware to combat it.
Printer Firmware issues – When the printer’s firmware is outdated or corrupt, it will impede its activities with your PC and can cause problems.
These causes may vary on different devices, but you can fix them by troubleshooting your computer and printer.
What can I do if my computer reboots when I print?
Before proceeding with any advanced troubleshooting process, go through the following preliminary checks:
Restart the printer.
Reconnect the printer to the computer.
Disconnect other external devices connected to your PC.
If the problem continues, try the solutions below:
1. Uninstall the Windows Updates
Left-click the Start button, type control panel, and open it.
Go to Programs and select Programs and features.
Click the View installed updates option.
Find KB4524147, right-click on it, and click Uninstall from the drop-down.
Restart your PC and check if it resolves the problem.
You can uninstall other updates if the first one doesn’t. Uninstalling specific updates can fix the problem and prevent your computer from rebooting when printing.
Press Windows + R key to launch the Run window, and type devmgmt.msc, then click Device Manager.
Double-click on Print queues from the devices list, right-click each driver and click the Update driver option.
Click Search automatically for drivers.
Windows will automatically download and install updates if any are available. For example, updating the printer drivers on your PC can fix it if it’s corrupt or outdated.
One of the easiest ways to update your printer driver is by letting a third-party software, for example, Outbyte Driver Updater, do this procedure automatically.
This tool helps you run a quick scan of your computer to detect outdated or missing drivers, and then automatically find the latest updates for them so your device performance can be significantly improved.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Find the best updates for your drivers and enjoy smoother PC activity with Outbyte Driver Updater.
Updating firmware for a device like a printer differs in procedures. However, it depends solely on the manufacturer of your printer.
Furthermore, every printer has a program that helps you manage its activities, and you can update the firmware. Likewise, you can contact your manufacturer directly for assistance.
5. Set the Print Spooler Service Startup Type to Automatic
Press Windows + R key to launch the Run window and type services.msc, then click OK to open the Services window.
Right-click on the Print Spooler service and select Properties.
On the prompt, click the drop-down button for Startup type and select Automatic.
Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Setting the Printer Spooler to Automatic can help it print jobs smoothly and fix problems that may cause the system to crash.
Although the quality of sim racing equipment might vary greatly, if you don’t want to take out a mortgage only to go racing, the cost is likely to be an essential consideration for you.
First and foremost, you’ll want to look for a wheel that has a feature known as force feedback in order to get the most out of it.
It is force feedback that puts the sim in simulation racing, as it models the way a genuine steering wheel would react in a real situation.
Aside from that, the wheel is little more than a glorified Xbox controller. The good news is that there are numerous alternatives available that are suitable for almost any budget. If you like the sound of it, do not hesitate to check out some great offers below.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
What are the best Black Friday racing wheel deals?
It not only helps you become more immersed in the activity, but it also delivers a better, more accurate range of motion that seems more true to the situation. It is your hands that have complete control rather than just a single finger or thumb.
As previously said, a wheel provides gamers with greater control over their gaming experience. There are some obvious advantages to this, such as having both hands free to solely steer and not having to worry about any acceleration or braking, among other benefits.
Beyond the previously mentioned issue of your thumbs frequently failing you in critical situations, what else does the wheel have to offer that a pad might not have?
The manner in which the wheels turn is also highly essential. Often, gamepads have a relatively narrow degree of turning, causing players to frequently over or under-turn because a slight difference in where the joypad is pointing can have a significant impact on the outcome.
The amount of rotation available with wheels, on the other hand, is significantly more.
Razer is a well-known brand recognized for its gaming devices, including mice, keyboards, controllers, and, of course, PCs and laptops.
Here, we’re going to bring you the best Razer gaming laptops on the market this year and we’re going to discuss their best features.
The Razer laptops are famous for pushing the limits of their configurations so stay put and check your budget because one thing we’re certain of, they’re not cheap!
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
Check out the latest and the greatest laptop from Razer’s gaming world, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop.
It will run the latest gaming title with ease thanks to its NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card and 32 GB of RAM.
The THX Spatial Audio technology will ensure a maximum boost in the sound department while the 1 TB SSD will provide plenty of space and access speed.
If you want a big image, the only possible downsides come from the screen, which is only 15 inches and, of course, there is also the slightly prohibitive price.
If you’re looking for a bigger screen real estate, you can bet on Razer Blade Pro 17 Gaming Laptop. It’s the bigger screen counterpart of its brother above with a few differences.
It comes with the same Intel i7 8-Core processor and the same NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card but it has half the RAM (16 GB) and the SSD space (512 GB).
Of course, the awesome QHD screen with the 165 Hz refresh rate and the 17.3-inch screen can make up for everything. It even has a lower price so you should definitely check it out.
Yes, the Razer Blade 15 Advanced Gaming Laptop 2020 is still available and in great demand. And even if it’s an older model, it still delivers a great punch.
And that is thanks to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super Max-Q graphics card and the 10th generation Intel Core i7-10875H processor.
And the 15.6-inch screen with the 300 Hz refresh rate will definitely leave you speechless in any of the latest games.
The only aspect that you could improve would be 16 GB of RAM but you can upgrade that pretty easily.
You can go bigger, or you can definitely go for more portability. And if you’re looking for a powerful but small gaming tool, you can try the Razer Blade Stealth 13 Ultrabook Gaming Laptop.
It’s got a small, 13.3-inch screen with a Full HD resolution but in the CNC sculpted body, there’s a bevy of brute force.
We’re talking about an Intel Core i7-1165G7 4-Core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Max-Q graphics card that needs no presentation.
It will run all the latest games with 16 GB of RAM from its fast access, and 512 GB SSD so get your game on the move right now.
That’s it! We hope you found your weapon of choice when it comes to the best Razer gaming laptop for this year.
If you’re not a hardcore Razer fan, you can also take a look at our selection of the best gaming laptop deals to get today.
What model did you choose? If you also have other preferences, you can lay them down in a comment from the dedicated section below.
Microsoft first introduced Windows Subsystem for Linux way back in 2016 but it’s come a long way since then, and now today, WSL on the Microsoft Store is dropping its preview tag and is now available on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
The subsystem allows Windows users to run Linux apps directly on Windows without having to dual boot. There are two big announcements coming with this latest release: first, Windows 10 users will now be able to run Linux GUI apps, and the Microsoft Store version of WSL is now the default installation, meaning that running wsl –install will now install the Store version of WSL instead of the option Windows “Windows Subsystem for Linux” component available in “Turn Windows Features On or Off.”
wsl.exe --install will now automatically install the Store version of WSL, and will no longer enable the “Windows Subsystem for Linux” optional component, or install the WSL kernel or WSLg MSI packages as they are no longer needed (The Virtual machine platform optional component will still be enabled, and by default Ubuntu will still be installed).
If you previously had WSL installed using the Windows components, you can update to the Store version by running wsl –update from a command prompt, and you can check which version you’re on by running wsl –version (this will fail if you’re on the Windows Component version, now known as “–inbox.”)
When the Num Lock key won’t stay on, it’s usually caused by Windows’ Fast Startup feature.
Other common causes included outdated Windows versions, and external device interference (such as keyboards), and misconfigurations in the BIOS.
Following the steps below you should be able to fix this Num Lock issue in just a few minutes.
What can I do if the Num Lock won’t stay on?
First, try to disconnect any external devices and restart your PC in safe mode. If NumLock is still not staying on, follow the advanced troubleshooting steps below.
1. Disable fast startup
Right-click the Start button, type the control panel and launch it.
Select Hardware and Sound, then click Power Options.
Click on Choose what the power buttons does.
Select Change settings that are currently unavailable.
Uncheck the Turn on fast startup option and click Save Changes.
Restart your PC to sync the changes correctly and check if the problem persists.
Disabling Fast startup allows Windows to start its components properly before starting up.
2. Update Windows OS
Click on the Start button and select Settings.
Click the Windows Update option and select Check for updates. If there are any updates available, Windows will search for and install them.
Updating your OS can fix bugs affecting your PC and causing the Num Lock not to stay on.
Press Windows + R key to open the Run window, and type devmgmt.msc into the search space, and click OK to open the Device Manager.
Expand the Keyboards from the devices menu, right-click on your keyboard device, and select Update driver.
Then click on Search automatically for drivers and restart your PC.
Updating your keyboard driver can fix any problems or bugs plaguing it. If you can’t go with the steps above, check other ways to update drivers on Windows 11.
4. Enable the Registry key
Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type Regedit, and click OK to open the Registry Editor.
Navigate to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Keyboard
Right-click on the InitialKeyboardIndicators registry string, clear the value data and set it to 2, then click OK.
Navigate to the following key: HKEY_USERS\.DEFAULT\Control Panel\Keyboard
Right-click on the registry string InitialKeyboardIndicators, then set the value to 2147483648.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Using the Registry Editor allows you to edit the keyboard registry keys, helping it to function.
5. Turn off the Mouse key
Left-click the Start button, type the control panel, and launch it.
Go to the Ease of Access Center.
Then click on Make the keyboard easier to use.
Go to Control the mouse with the keyboard and uncheck the box for the Turn On Mouse Keys option.
Click on Apply and then on OK.
6. Run the keyboard troubleshooter
Open Windows Settings (press Windows key + i).
Click on System.
Go to Troubleshoot.
Click on Additional troubleshooters.
Find Keyboard and select it.
Click on Run the troubleshooter.
Many users have reported that this helped them fix the problem with the Num Lock not staying on.
Regardless of whether you are casually strolling through the park, sitting in a car with a long road ahead of you, or going through an intense workout at the gym, music has always been the supreme equalizer.
Speaking of equalizers, the way you listen to music can change the entire way you feel a song, and this means having a very good pair of headphones or earbuds at your disposal.
Well, Jabra, one of the best manufacturers of consumer-grade earbuds and headphones has put a couple of their models up for sale this year, and we will be showcasing the best ones that you can buy today!
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
Topping off our list is one of the most popular Jabra Elite earbud models, the 75T, and it has plenty of features that make it well-deserving of this place.
They are not only made to fit into any ear, but the enhanced 4-microphone call technology filters out all the wind and other common environmental noises, making calls not only comfortable but also clear.
Featuring 4th generation wireless connection, anything you listen to with these headphones, be it calls or music, will not only be crystal-clear but also extremely stable.
The next entry on our list is an older set of Jabra Elite earbuds, but that doesn’t mean that they are worse than the previous entry.
The Jabra Elite 65t earbuds feature the same true wireless technology that provides crystal-clear conversations, and the long-lasting batteries will make it so that you can talk and talk all day long.
Besides, you can personalize the sound using the Jabra+ App, making your earbuds sound just like those from Samsung or Apple.
Continuing our list of best Jabra Elite earbuds is the Jabra Elite 85t, a pair of true-wireless earbuds developed for hardcore music lovers.
Thanks to its already common 4-microphone technology, it will provide you with some of the best sound quality on the market.
Additionally, this is further enhanced by the active noise-canceling technology that will eliminate all distracting sounds while you listen to your favorite tunes.
The name says it all with this particular set of earbuds, since their main emphasis is on sports, and therefore feature a bit of a design change.
Not only are they designed to be water-proof, but they are also made into an ergonomic shape and from materials that will stop them from falling off even when you are running, jumping, or swimming.
More so, 3 sizes of EarWings further enhance comfort and heart rate sensor.
The last entry on our list is also the only pair of Jabra Elite headphones, and they are a great alternative for those that find earbuds to be uncomfortable.
Featuring advanced 40mm speakers, these headphones will surely deliver the sound quality anyone might ever be looking for.
More so, thanks to their larger size, the battery is also larger and with a greater capacity, reaching up to 50h on a full charge.
This concludes our list of the best Jabra Elite earbuds and headphones.
We’ve covered the best models on the market, and took consumer feedback into consideration when creating this list, so go ahead and make your pick.
Do you know of any model that may have deserved to end up on this list?
Let us know what else we should have added by leaving your feedback in the comments section below.
The ERROR_WRITE_FAULT error code with The system cannot write to the specified device description occurs when users try to install the latest updates on their computers. Reportedly, this error is prevalent for driver updates.
It may also occur when users try to create and save backup files and folders. Irrespective of the causes, we have gathered the surefire solutions that will help you fix it in this guide.
What causes The system cannot write to the specified device error?
The system cannot write to the specified device error can be down varying reasons. Listed below are some of the various causes:
Damaged or corrupt system files: Corrupt system files is one of the chief causes of the FSlogix the system cannot write to the specified device and other variations of the issue. The quickest way around this is to repair the broken system files with either the built-in tool or dedicated software.
Issues with system memory: When there is a problem with your system memory, you can also get an error message. Running the CHKDSK command is should help here.
Malware infections: The presence of viruses on your PC can cause all sorts of problems, including this issue we are dealing with. You need to eliminate the malware using one of the best antivirus software.
How can I fix The system cannot write to the specified device error?
1. Perform an SFC scan
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter: sfc/scannow
Wait for the command to finish running.
If your getting the 0x1d – the system cannot write to the specified device error on your PC, running the SFC scan on CMD should restore normalcy. This is because most variations of the error are caused by faulty or missing system files.
Alternatively, you can fix these files using a specialized tool to restore or replace corrupted files and folders as well.
2. Run the CHKDSK command
Launch Command Prompt as admin.
Type the command (replace C with your drive letter) below and hit Enter: chkdsk c: /r
If you receive a prompt, press Y and restart your PC. The scan will start immediately after your PC restarts.
Memory issues can make lead to the WinToUSB the system cannot write to the specified device error. The CHKDSK command is a powerful built-in tool known to fix many memory issues, including this one.
Thus, you should try it too.
3. Scan for malware
Press the Windows key, type virus, and select Virus & threat protection.
Click Scan options.
Choose the Full Scan option and click the Scan now button.
Malware may cause various issues on your computer, including the system cannot write to the specified device error. Performing a full system scan should help clear them and restore your PC’s health.
However, if you want to run a really deep scan and eliminate even the most stubborn virus, you should a third-party antivirus in ESET NOD32.
This lightweight software employs a no-nonsense policy against viruses. It eliminates them before they can affect your PC. All these without disturbing your activities.
4. Update your OS
Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and select Update & Security.
Click the Check for updates button.
Install all available updates including the optional ones.
Windows updates are important in fixing bugs and issues. If you have not updated your PC in a long time, you can face the system cannot write to the specified device error.
After installing the updates, remember to restart your PC.
As a quick reminder, Microsoft constantly rolls out Windows updates in order to improve the system’s stability and fix various issues.
5. Clean your temporary files and folders
Click the Start icon, type disk, and select Disk Cleanup.
Check the boxes for the files you want to clean.
Now, click theClean up system files button.
At times, the system cannot write to the specified device error can be because of junk files on your hard drive. The Disk Cleanup tool will help you clear the files you want to remove.
Another option, which is probably a better one, is to use a dedicated tool in CCleaner. This tool helps to optimize your PC by clearing out junk files and unwanted documents.
CCleaner also serves as an uninstaller software that can remove an unwanted app and its components. It might just be all you need to protect your PC from this type of issue.
Press the Windows key + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
Type the command below and hit Enter: msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic
Wait for the diagnosis to be complete and apply any recommendations.
One of the best things about the Windows OS is its array of troubleshooters. Running the hardware and devices troubleshooter helps to fix many hardware issues including the system cannot write to the specified device error.
You should restart your PC after applying the fixes to let them take effect.
With this, we can conclude this guide. We believe that you have everything you need to fix the system cannot write to the specified device error easily. All you need to do it to follow the steps carefully.
With the increased numbers of people needing to work remotely because of the latest global events, it becomes increasingly important to have Microsoft Office installed on your PC.
There’s no better time to invest in a powerful and capable laptop than during this year’s shopping spree, enabling you to secure a great laptop at an affordable price, and also get Microsoft Office pre-installed and licensed.
Because we know how hard it is to make an informed decision with the wide range of options available on the market, we decided to make things easier for you.
Make sure to read through the article in its entirety to make the best decision possible.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
What are the best laptops with Microsoft Office pre-installed?
The Lenovo IdeaPad 1.6GHz is a nice laptop that comes with a 1 year Microsoft Office subscription, ensuring that you will never have to worry about buying a license.
Featuring a 14-inch display with a 1366 x 768 HD resolution, you can easily carry this laptop with you wherever you are, and you get full access to a year of Office 365.
The ultra-compact memory system with DDR4 ensures that your data will be processed quickly and that you can complete tasks in a timely manner.
The Microsoft V4C-00022 Surface Laptop 3 is an amazingly powerful and versatile laptop that offers you touch-screen capabilities besides the amazingly looking design.
This laptop uses an Intel i5 processor, ensuring that even the most complex tasks can be achieved in a fraction of the time.
The 8 GB RAM also allows you to run multiple applications without worrying about your laptop getting stuck, thus allowing you to open a big number of Office-related windows at no cost for the processing power.
The ASUS L203MA-DS04 VivoBook ensures that you will always get noticed with an incredible folding design.
The Intel Celeron N4000 processor ensures a smooth operation sequence, being more than capable to run the included Microsoft Office software that comes included.
Another great advantage of this laptop is that because of its small size and thinness, you can carry it easily with you wherever you go.
The next Microsoft Multi-Touch Surface laptop is the ideal choice in terms of lightweight usage, system performance, or RAM memory specifications.
There is guaranteed high-quality offered by a powerful processor 10th generation Intel Core i5 or the 12.4-inch PixelSense display that offers you crystal clear graphics.
In addition, you benefit from the original Microsoft Office installed with cutting-edge features and immaculate condition without any marks or malfunctions.
The HP HD Intel N4000 is another great laptop that comes ready to do work using Office 365, offering decent processing speeds and great RAM memory to ensure you can run multiple versions of the software.
With a processing speed that goes up to 2.6 GHz, you don’t need to worry about stalling processes, and the 1 year Office subscription allows you to work using this software seamlessly.
Added to all this, the slick silver design is sure to fit in any environment you choose to use it.
These are the best options for laptops that have direct access to Microsoft Office 365 and are also on a deal this year.
We hope that this guide has provided you with useful information and that you chose a laptop from the list.
Feel free to share your opinion with us by using the comment section below.
Error 0xc1900223 is a Windows Update issue that can arise on Windows 11 and 10. This can be a problem and result in Windows Update not working.
There isn’t any one specific cause for the 0xc1900223 update error but it’s mainly due to glitches with the update components or corrupted system files. We can’t exclude issues with the update service or network connection problems. Flushing the DNS can sometimes help with the latter.
How can I fix error 0xc1900223?
1. Open the Windows Update troubleshooter tool
First, click Start, and the Settings app pinned to that button’s menu.
Select the Troubleshoot Settings category.
Click the Other trouble-shooters box to view a list of repair tools.
Select the Run option for opening Windows Update.
Then wait for the Windows Update troubleshooter to detect issues and hopefully apply fixes. It will display a completed troubleshooting overview when it’s done.
2. Enable and Run the Windows Update service
Open the Run command dialog by holding the Windows button on the keyboard and pressing R.
Type in services.msc within Run’s text box.
Select Run’s OK option to view Services.
Double-click the listed Windows Update service.
Select Automatic for the service’s startup.
Click Start to start Windows Update.
Press Apply on the Windows Update Properties window.
After restarting the service, check if error 0xc1900223 is gone.
NOTE
If Windows Update is already enabled and running, stop the service by right-clicking it and selecting Stop. Right-click it again and selectStartto restart the service.
3. Clear the DNS (Domain Name System)
To view the search tool’s box, press the Windows and S keys simultaneously.
Find Command Prompt by inputting the search phrase cmd.
Click Command Prompt’s Run as administrator option on the right side of the search tool.
Input this DNS flush command and press Return: ipconfig /flushdns
Also, input these separate ipconfig commands and press Return after each one entered: ipconfig /registerdns ipconfig /release ipconfig /renew
Finally, restart your laptop or desktop by selecting Power and then Restart from Start menu options.
This is a simple method, but it can help with error 0xc1900223, so be sure to try it.
Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
First, execute this Deployment Image Servicing and Management command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Then type in this SFC utility command and press Return: sfc /scannow
Wait for the SFC scan to finish and show an outcome message.
5. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders
Open Command Prompt with administrative rights as outlined in method three.
Disable Windows Update components by executing the following separate commands: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
Next, rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old by executing this command: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Input this rename command for the catroot2 folder and hit Enter: ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Restart the stopped update components by inputting and executing these commands: net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
Restart your PC after restarting the services.
So, that’s how you can get error 0xc1900223 fixed on Windows 11 PCs. We don’t promise those potential fixes for error 0xc1900223 will work for everyone, but they’re some of the more likely solutions.
There are also workarounds for error 0xc1900223. You can instead try installing updates by downloading them from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Or you can install a build update with the Media Creation Tool.
You can discuss error 0xc1900223 in the comments section below. Feel free to add any questions about fixing that error or even share other resolutions for it there.
Spam emails are among the leading disturbances we receive daily. These emails can carry malicious links and advertisements of various fake products.
This is why most users prefer to use email privacy software. However, to get rid of these spam emails even with your regular email, you need the best spam email filters.
In this guide, we have gathered the list of the best filter tools you can download and use for this purpose today.
How can I stop spam emails permanently?
There are a few ways to stop spam emails for good. Below are some of the best methods to use:
Block spam emails: The first thing you can do is to flag and block any spammy email address. This can be done from your email client’s settings.
Disable unwanted newsletters: Sometimes, you subscribe to newsletters on some websites. These pages can become spammy over time. Your way out here is to unsubscribe from them and any other needless mailing list.
Report the email: Another option is to report the email as spam. With this, your email client will track the email address and prevent you from receiving emails from it in the future.
Use an email spam filter: Using one of the best email spam filter service software is an excellent way to stop spam emails. These tools combine the best spam-detecting techniques to ensure they never disturb you. You can find the top-notch options in the next section of this article.
What are the best free email spam filters that I can use?
eM Client – Email client with built-in spam filter
Topping off our list is not a spam filter per se, but an email client with ones already built into it.
While this feature is not that uncommon among modern-day email clients, eM Client’s spam filter stands out because it is one of the best, if not the best, in the world.
What makes it so great is not the fact that it blocks the spam itself but that you can tailor the spam filter’s settings to suit various scenarios and your needs.
More so, these settings can be later revised if you change your mind about a source of emails and no longer want to flag them as spam.
eM Client
Try out this fantastic email client and set the Spam Filter settings to whatever suits your needs most so that you can avoid annoying messages.
Spamfence is one of the best email spam filter software for Gmail, Yahoo mail, and other email clients. This tool is an excellent option because it uses a complex mechanism involving two email addresses to eliminate spam.
So, how does it work? When you sign up with Spamfence, you create a new email address after that and submit both your current, spam-riddled address and the new one to the service.
After that, all mail from your main account is forwarded to Spamfence filters, where the service checks if any message is spam and then sends approved messages to a secondary email protected from spambots.
You’ll be notified about any spam mail and have complete control over it.
Besides providing an effective way of filtering spam from your email, Spamfence also provides free virus security. So, this program won’t keep you safe from spam; it will also prevent the spreading of malicious software through the mail.
POPFile is another powerful POP and NNTP proxy. This tool can effectively filter your email address from spam messages. This software works on the principle of classification, as you can create as many mail categories as you want.
Of course, by default, categories are spam and not spam, as mail from the spam category goes through, and the other doesn’t. However, you can create custom categories, like work, personal, important project, hobby, and sort mail into each category.
POPFile uses the Bayes algorithm to classify messages, which means it uses statistics to determine which words are likely to appear in which messages.
But before POPFile effectively protects your email from spam, you must first train it to ‘tell’ it which messages should be marked as spam. So before start using POPFile, make sure you set it up.
Once you’ve ‘trained’ POPFile, it should automatically eliminate any unwanted mail you receive.
Spamihilator is perhaps the best email spam filter to use if you mainly receive your mail through desktop clients, like Outlook for Windows 10, Mozilla Thunderbird, etc. This program runs alongside your email client for the desktop and successfully removes any unwanted email of your choice.
You can also train Spamihilator for more successful filtering. It contains a unique feature called the Training area, where you mark specific messages as spam.
Based on your decisions in the Training area, Spamihilator will remove messages from the same sender or of a similar kind. The more you use the Training area to filter spam, the more effective it becomes.
Spamihilator also supports various plugins, which you can download to improve filtering even more. In addition, there are some additional options, like the ability to filter links. The program and all plugins are entirely free to download and use.
If your email service is Google’s Gmail, you don’t need any spam filter because this service has all it takes to keep your inbox clean. In Gmail, you can manually mark any email as spam, preventing it from appearing in your inbox.
Once you mark an email as spam, it will be automatically transferred to the spam section of Gmail, and future messages from that sender won’t make it to your primary inbox.
You also have the option to unsubscribe from receiving emails from a specific sender, which is extremely useful if you’ve accidentally subscribed to some newsletters and promotional offers.
Of course, marking each email individually can be exhausting and time-consuming. But you’ll disable it forever. So, if you don’t receive a lot of spam mail, Gmail’s built-in option is the best solution, but if you do, try some of the programs from this list.
MailWasher is a simple spam-filtering service for POP3, IMAP, or webmail email addresses. First, you must connect it to your email account and filter unwanted messages. Of course, it will require work first until you filter a certain amount of mail.
But since MailWasher also uses a Bayesian algorithm, it will automatically remember your choices and further filter based on your decisions. This is why it is considered one of the best email spam filter software.
The program is elementary, as you have two options – spam and good. So, check emails you want to get rid of, mark them as spam, and you’re good to go.
MailWasher also has a premium version that, of course, you need to pay for. But in our opinion, the free version contains all you need to keep your inbox clean.
However, it limits you to just one email account, but if you’re a regular user, that shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you want to add more than one account, and have some customization options, consider buying the paid version of MailWasher.
SpamBayes is another top email spam filter program that uses Bayesian statistics to eliminate unwanted mail in your inbox. This filter for POP and IMAP mail accounts plugs in directly into Outlook, and Mozilla Thunderbird, so installation on these clients is relatively easy.
However, some less popular email clients don’t support the direct SpamBytes plugin, so installation on these clients might be tricky.
Just like it’s the case with the majority of spam filters from this list, SpamBytes uses the Bayesian method to learn from your decisions and automatically filter unwanted mail.
The program also analyzes all spam messages, so you can have further insight into what you’re marking as unwanted mail.
The storage space required by new games adds up in time and you may end up not being able to save the game you played so much. Nobody wants that to happen.
Fortunately, there are enough options on the market that allow you to extend your Xbox One storage with up to 5TB of HDD space that also has plug-and-play features.
In this article, we will explore the best options for external HDD for your Xbox One that you can get.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
WD Passport X is a great storage option and it’s compatible with Xbox One. Passport X has 2 TB of storage space and can reach speeds of 5 Gbs/s when transferring files through its 3.0 USB ports.
The design is really nice, it’s a small portable device that you can carry around everywhere you need without feeling it’s an inconvenience.
Setting up the device is extremely simple and fast, all you need to do is carefully follow the instructions.
If you’re looking to amp up your online privacy and computer security this year, check out Surfshark. It’s a reliable VPN service for any Internet-dependent user.
Developed by Surfshark LTD, Surfshark keeps you anonymous when going online by hiding your browsing activity from your ISP. It supports more than 3,200 VPN servers in 100 countries.
All servers all P2P-friendly, which means that you can stay off the grid when downloading or uploading torrents.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
What is the best Surfshark promo discount this year?
80% off + 5 months free for 3.99$ a month
The plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat and email support.
Surfshark VPN
Get this powerful VPN at an incredible price and maximize your online privacy!
Surfshark has private DNS on each server and comes with a strict zero-logging policy, which is backed by the British Virgin Islands’ safe jurisdiction.
The best part about it is that you can set up Surfshark on any number of devices and share your VPN account since it allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
It works with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, and even routers. That makes Surfshark the best VPN for multiple devices.
This ensures the best possible privacy and security over VPN without sacrificing your connection speed.
As far as streaming is concerned, you can unblock multiple Netflix libraries, including Netflix US.
Furthermore, you can set up Surfshark on streaming devices without native VPN support (such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles) by turning to its Smart DNS service.
Other features include an ad and malware blocker for web browsers, an emergency kill switch, IP leak protection, obfuscated servers (Camouflage), double VPN connections (MultiHop), split tunneling (Whitelister), and anti-censorship (NoBorders).
Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that can change your GPS location on Android. So what are you waiting for? Get SurfShark VPN 80% off + 5 months free for this shopping season.
If you’re experiencing issues on your Windows computer, the cause may be in various bottlenecks, bloatware, and settings that slow down your computer’s performance. And a simple solution would be to download the Windows refresh tool.
The problem is that the Windows Refresh tool is no longer available for users to download. But you can still perform the same operation without it with the same level of ease. So, let’s find out!
What does the Refresh Windows tool do? A refresh means reinstalling Windows, but the files and the installed apps, both from the Microsoft Store and the ones that came along with the OS, are kept.
Here are a few issues a refresh to fix in Windows:
Corrupt system files – Corrupt system files are responsible for many problems and can considerably affect the functioning of the OS.
Problems with Windows Update –Update errors, though not a common occurrence in Windows, can affect the performance of the OS and put your PC at risk.
Inability to launch or run an app – Often, misconfigured settings or other underlying causes can prevent apps from launching, and a refresh is a proven fix.
How can I perform Windows refresh without the Refresh tool?
1 Use the Settings app
Press Windows + I to open the Settings app, and click on Update & Security.
Now go to Recovery and click on Get Started under Reset this PC.
Choose if you want to keep the personal files or remove them. We suggest using the Keep my files option since it’s similar to a refresh.
Now select what type of reinstallation you want to perform. Local reinstall is usually faster, so we recommend using it.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.
Remember that the Windows reset utility will remove your installed apps, but it should keep your files.
Once the file is downloaded, run it, and click on Accept to agree to the license terms.
Select Upgrade this PC now and click on Next.
The setup will now download the latest version of Windows 10.
When you get to the Ready to install screen, keep personal files and apps listed, if not, go to Change what to keep and enable it, and then click on Install.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the setup process.
Performing an in-place upgrade is another highly effective method to start afresh with a clean installation of Windows 10 and works as a perfect alternative to the Windows Refresh tool. With this, you don’t lose the installed apps.
Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Recovery in the System tab.
Click on Reset PC.
Select Keep my files.
Now pick the reinstall type. Again, we suggest using Local reinstall since it’s faster.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
2. Perform an in-place upgrade
Visit Microsoft’s download page, choose the appropriate response from the dropdown menus, and download the Windows 11 ISO file.
Once the download is finished, run the file and click Open.
Now, launch setup.exe.
Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
Click Install in the Windows 11 setup.
Now, wait for the setup to initialize things and click on Accept to agree to the license terms.
Finally, verify that everything is in order, the setup lists, Keep personal files and apps, and click on Install.
Wait for the installation to complete. It shouldn’t take very long, so be patient and don’t interrupt the process.
That’s it! These are all the ways you can refresh the OS, both Windows 10 and Windows 11, without downloading the tool. And once done, any problem with it should be eliminated. If that doesn’t work, a clean install of the OS will do the trick.
Your microphone is an essential tool as it allows you to communicate and get information on what’s happening around you. For this reason, keeping your microphone sensitivity at the proper level is essential.
The problem is that your microphone is not working at times or can be too sensitive or not sensitive enough. This can cause issues when you want to talk with your friends, but your mic picks up a lot of background noise or even other people talking.
Why should I change my mic sensitivity?
The default mic sensitivity is the level at which your microphone picks up sound. The higher the sensitivity, the more sensitive it is to sound and vice versa. So, what prompts you to adjust your mic settings?
Accurate voice recognition – If you’re using an application like Skype, Discord, or Hangouts, having the proper mic sensitivity settings will make voice recognition much more accurate. Better yet, you can incorporate headphone software to boost your audio.
You have a hearing problem – A low mic sensitivity means that you’ll be able to hear more sounds around you than someone with a high mic sensitivity. This is especially useful for people with hearing problems.
Avoid repetitions – If you have a high mic sensitivity, other people may not hear everything you say because they’re not close enough to the speakers or the volume on your mic is too low. A low mic sensitivity will allow them to hear everything clearly without repeating themselves multiple times.
It’s less distracting – Another reason why lowering your mic sensitivity can help: it keeps other people from hearing every little sniffle and cough that you make. This can be incredibly distracting for those who are trying to listen in on the conversation.
Improve the quality of your voice recordings – When you’re recording a voiceover, it’s important to have the right mic sensitivity, as it will improve sound quality. This is especially useful if you’re recording in noisy environments, such as at a loud concert.
How can I adjust my mic sensitivity?
Click on the Windows key to launch the Start menu, and then select Control Panel from the options on the right.
Select Hardware and Sound.
Click on Sound.
In the Sound dialog that pops up, click on the Speakers you are using then select Properties at the bottom.
Navigate to the Levels tab and select Balance next to your speaker.
Now drag the sliders until you achieve your desired sensitivity level.
How can I boost the microphone sensitivity in Windows 7?
If you’re using a computer headset or a standalone microphone, you can try a few things to boost your microphone’s sensitivity.
Before trying anything else, the first step is to ensure your microphone is connected and working correctly with your computer. Other tips include:
1. Try moving closer to the mic
If you’re using an external microphone, move it toward or away from the source of sound until you find the sweet spot where it picks up your voice.
Some situations will require you to come closer while others further away to transmit sound at quality levels.
2. Adjust background noise levels
Background noise can interfere with the quality of your audio recording and make it harder for people to understand what you’re saying.
If you are in a noisy place with lots of distractions, this can significantly interfere with the sound quality of your speakers. You can try moving to an area with fewer distractions,
3. Adjust the microphone settings
Some speakers/headsets have specific settings for adjusting how much sound comes out of the microphone. You can easily change these settings until you find a good balance.
Others even have built-in settings that can detect your surroundings and adjust the sensitivity accordingly.
4. Use a quality headset
If you are using low-quality headsets or earphones, there are high chances that these devices may not work correctly with microphones and hence will not provide good sound quality.
Quality doesn’t necessarily mean expensive. You can find affordable headsets with excellent sound quality. There are even noise-canceling headsets that allow you to record in noisy places.
5. Check for software conflicts
If you are using multiple sound recordings or voice chat programs, they may conflict with each other. This could end up blocking the signal from reaching your headset mic.
You can disable or uninstall any other programs that may interfere with how your microphone works.
6. Update sound drivers
If you’re using a USB/Bluetooth headset, ensure that your computer has its latest drivers. If not, there’s a good chance the driver is causing problems.
An automated solution like Outbyte Driver Updater will help you greatly because it has a substantial database with which it locates the latest updates for your drivers.
And that’s how to adjust your microphone sensitivity in Windows 7. Should you encounter any other issues, such as the Volume Mixer not showing up in Windows 7, we have a detailed article on how to resolve them.
In addition to improving your mic sensitivity settings, you may be interested in audio booster software that can significantly enhance your sound quality.
Please let us know any other tips you may have on boosting your mic sensitivity in the comment section below.
Sims 4 is the latest addition to one of the most famous game series ever, the Sims. This timeless title certainly rose above its prequels with a few brilliant innovations.
However, EA is kind of known for the unfinished, buggy games that scream for a patch. And sadly, Sims 4 is not an exception.f
A lot of users reported various errors, but just a few of them are too repetitive and prevent the game from starting. That is the case with the Sims 4 error code 22. And in this article, we’ll try and address this issue.
What is the Sims 4 error 22?
Error Code 22 in the Sims 4 appears when users try to save their games. It usually means that your game cannot load the game files because it is blocked by another program, or the files are missing from your device.
The full error message reads: The game failed to Save. Please exit to the Main Menu and then select Play to reload the game. Error code: 22.
Read on to find out what solutions are available for solving this issue in no time and getting back to playing your beloved game.
How can I fix the Sims 4 error code 22 on PC?
1. Clean the game cache
The first step to fix the Sims 4 error code 22 would be to manually clean the game’s cache. Due to virus infection or a few other reasons, your game can get corrupted.
That can and will lead to performance drops or unexpected loading errors. In most cases, the autosave file (slot 001) is the culprit for error 22, so try loading other saves.
1. Quit the game and stop the Sims 4 process in Task Manager. If it’s already closed, skip to step 2.
2. Go to Documents (My Documents).
3. Open the Electronic Arts folder.
4. Click on the Sims 4 folder.
5. Locate the Saves folder in the list and copy it to the Desktop.
6. Delete these cache files from Cache folder:
localthumbcache.package
cache
cachestr
cachewebkit
lotcachedData
7. Launch the game. It will create a new save instead of loading the old ones.
8. After new save is created, move your old saves from the desktop Saves folder, one by one, to the newly generated Saves folder.
If your game for no apparent reason crashed while autosave was performing, the save file may be corrupted. For that purpose, we advise you to perform more often manual saves.
2. Update the game with Origin
There is a widespread opinion that the game won’t load saves because of a weird update error. Namely, the client may inform you that you are trying to load the save that has been saved on a newer game version. That is a bit confusing, but you may try and update the game with the Origin client.
Open the Origin desktop app.
Find Sims 4.
Right-click on the game and open the Check for update option.
If there are any updates/patches available, the client will download and install them.
On the other hand, if your game is up to date and the problem is still persistent, try other workarounds below.
3. Close background programs
Another reason for this specific issue can be the activity of background programs. Nonetheless, there are programs that won’t impact the game whatsoever. For that purpose, follow this list and disable these programs while playing:
Cloud applications (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive etc.).
Torrent clients and download managers.
Antimalware and third-party Firewall solutions.
VoIP programs like Skype or Team Speak.
VPN and Proxy.
4. Start PC with Safe Boot
Additionally, to make sure that there’s no single program interfering with the game, try and start your PC with Clean Boot. The procedure is swiftly done in a few steps:
Open Windows Search and type msconfig.
Right-click and run System Configuration like Administrator.
Select the Services tab.
Click Hide All Microsoft Services.
Choose Disable All.
Click on the Start Up tab and Open Task Manager.
Right-click and choose Disable.
Disable all startup services individually.
Confirm selection and reset your PC.
If you’ve accidentally disabled any valuable services, you can easily retrieve them by repeating the process.
5. Check the Sims 4 game’s integrity with the Origin client
Before you lose your nerves and perform reinstallation, we advise you to try and repair the installation files. For that purpose, Origin implements a tool that is similar to the ones on Battle.net or Steam. And this is how you can use it.
Open Origin client.
Go to My Games.
Right-click Sims 4.
Choose Repair Install.
The tool will check your game and repair corrupted or incomplete files.
Finally, you can try and reinstall the game. Most of the time, the users with the mentioned error haven’t succeeded to fix this issue by reinstalling. Nevertheless, we think they overlooked the importance of a ‘clean’ install, as it might actually help you. Here’s what you need to do:
Open Origin and choose My Games.
Right-click and select Uninstall.
After the process is finished go to the location of installation and delete remaining folders.
Use CCleaner or similar 3rd-party tool to clean registry.
Restart your PC.
Start Origin again.
Find Sims 4 and select Install.
If this wasn’t helping your saved games are probably doomed. So, you’ll need to start the game from a scratch.
We hope you were able to solve the Sims 4 error code 22 with one of the presented workarounds. In case you have any questions or suggestions related to the subject, feel free to share them in the comments.
Game capture cards add new functionality to your computer or gaming console. They are designed to record audio, video, and gameplay so that you can show them off to your friends or followers on the Internet.
In this article, we focused on finding the 5 best game capture cards for Twitch that you can buy from Amazon.
Some devices on this list even support live streaming on Twitch, OBS, XSplit, YouTube, RECentral, and other streaming services.
And, if you’re lucky enough to find a card that delivers zero delays, you can play games while streaming.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
Is it better to stream with a capture card?
Many of the more popular Twitch users stream and game on a PC using a two-PC setup. In these terms, they’ll need a capture card.
With one PC for gaming and one for streaming duties, the capture card sends the video signal from the gaming PC to the streaming/recording PC.
Keep in mind that capture cards provide the best facility for live streaming and also if you wish to transform your old sources of movies like DVDs into HD format.
Now, let’s discover what are the most efficient options you can use to get the best out of this experience.
With the Elgato HD60 game capture card from Corsair, you can record and stream your gameplay in full HD. It has integrated support for Twitch, YouTube, and others.
The device supports Playstation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch (unencrypted HDMI) for the input, along with an HDMI passthrough for the output.
If you choose to use this capture card, you’ll be able to stream and record your finest gaming moment, offering a stunning 1080p quality with 60 fps.
The built-in Live Streaming feature gets you up and running on Twitch or YouTube in a snap. Also, with Stream Command, customizing your stream layout would be done without any limits.
The Live Gamer from AVerMedia offers you several great features, among which you have to consider the 4K with 60fps HDR and Full HD 240fps support.
The game capture card is ideal for video recording and live streaming. It can be used with various software applications such as Twitch, OBS, XSplit, and RECentral.
Its Ultra-Low Latency for broadcasting and recording PS4 Pro and Xbox One X would offer you a smooth and complete experience.
AverMedia is extremely popular among worldwide users, so it is no longer a surprise that it’s pretty efficient.
Streaming your best gaming moments can be very exciting, both for you and your viewers, especially when you are covering important content.
However, you need a good game capture card to make sure everything goes smoothly, and the MiraBox Capture Card is one such device.
It works on all mainstream OSes, and it is compatible with all 1080 and 720p devices, so unless your monitor is a 4K monster, you’ll be just fine.
For those of you who are beginners, keep in mind that it is very easy to set up and there is no need to install a driver. Also, it is compatible with multiple operating systems like Windows 7/8/10, Linux, or Mac OS.
Magewell’s Pro Capture Quad HDMI is a feature-rich HD video capture card that can be used for recording videos and live streaming, including Twitch.
Keep in mind that it has a PCIe Gen2 x4 host interface and supports any DirectShow application.
With a 10-bit video processing engine, it includes various video editing options, such as color adjustment, cropping, and deinterlace.
It is ideal for any video capture application, including live streaming and it’s also compatible with any DirectShow application.
Any game capture card from this list is suitable for recording your gameplay and streaming it on Twitch, OBS, YouTube, and others. But they distinguish themselves by feature set.
Therefore, you should carefully explore your options before deciding what to buy from Amazon to improve your overall gaming experience.
Noise canceling software is a brilliant way to cancel your microphone noise, and the market is filled with tools that are able to do this.
You may need noise cancellation software for various reasons such as talking to your friends while you are gaming, chatting on Skype, editing a recorded voice track, and so on.
Unfortunately, if you don’t have the highest-quality microphone, the audio will end up collecting a lot of background noise.
But the good news is that there are lots of programs that are able to cancel the microphone noise, and we’ve gathered the best options of noise suppression software for PC that you have at your disposal these days.
How does noise suppression software work?
A noise suppression software is an app created to reduce background noise on voice recordings, conference calls, and other types of audio.
It works as a virtual microphone filter that connects to any calling app and starts reducing surrounding noises automatically.
This kind of software is like a noise gate because it has a technology that relies on AI to master what a human voice sounds like, then becomes able to select only that part of the audio and develops an active noise canceling to cut out the background noise.
Krisp is another creative solution for noise reduction and disrupting sounds that stop your productivity. This AI-powered software is perfect for eliminating undesirable noise from online meetings.
With this feature-rich technology, it’s very easy to control the background noise that disturbs your concentration during video calls. If you can imagine a tool that can erase distracting sounds in a second, you have it.
The noise cancelation can be done with just a press of a button. This awesome software has an intuitive interface and it shows efficiency through comprehensive features such as noise reduction from both ends of the call.
To give you an example, there are various sounds that may disturb your meeting. By choosing Krisp it’s possible to remove all distractions like barking dogs, traffic sounds, or even keyboard and mouse noise during the calls.
Thereby you will enjoy the HD quality of video or audio calls by removing any type of noise from your side, other participants, or room echo resonating sound.
In other words, no background sounds will disturb your calls again with this powerful AI-built software, so have a free trial to see yourself.
Krisp is a great choice if you are looking for free noise cancelling software to use for a few files. The trial version allows you to test it and see if it fits your needs.
Check out the most important features of Krisp:
Acoustic room echo removal
AI noise cancellation
Support for any microphone or headphones
HD quality of voice
Audio recording option
Floating widget to access features
Krisp
Did somebody say noise removal? Get Krisp today if you need class-quality sound for your online video calls.
Those of you that aren’t aware of Adobe’s entire suite of programs will probably overlook Adobe Audition. This dedicated digital audio workstation has everything you may ever need for professional-level audio processing.
This includes both a multitrack, a non-destructive mix and an editing environment, and a destructive-approach waveform editing view.
You can use the audio professional toolkit of this program to achieve qualitative audio for any of your projects, from music to podcast recording.
Furthermore, knowing the complexity of this software you may need some guidance to help you out. Well, using the Essential Sound panel you can steadily identify tasks to optimize your sound.
In addition, the noise reduction capacities help you with adjusting noise levels, using audio effects like DeNoise, or modifying high or low frequencies with spectral frequency display.
Check out the most important features of this program:
DeReverb & DeNoise effects
Improved playback and recording performance
Improved multitrack UI
Improved multitrack performance
Add album art in MP3 files
…and more
As far as noise-canceling is concerned, Adobe Audition works as a noise cancellation software that can handle a wide variety of noises:
Crackle from wireless microphones or old vinyl records
You can fix this with the Automatic Click Remover effect.
Background noise like wind rumble, tape hiss, or power-line hum
These can be fixed using the Adaptive Noise Reduction effect and DeHummer effect.
Phase cancelation from poorly placed stereo microphones or misaligned tape machines.
These can be fixed using the Automatic Phase Correction effect.
Adobe Audition
Get professional support with noise cancelation software that is capable of complex sound editing and mastering.
If you’re looking for a reliable noise cancellation software, then LALAL.AI might be just what you need. The app is designed to remove vocals and instruments from any track without quality loss.
LALAL.AI is powered by neural network called Phoenix and it allows you to extract both audio and vocals. Unlike other services, it also can extract other instruments, including bass, acoustic or electric guitar, piano and synthesizer.
This makes LALAL.AI the world’s first 8-stem splitter. The app also has a Voice Cleaner feature that cancels noise, removes background music, mic rumble and other interference.
The app is available in web browser, so be sure to give it a try if you need a simple but powerful noise canceling solution.
LALAL.AI features:
Completely web-based
Offers 8-stem splitter
Can remove both vocals and instruments
Voice Cleaner feature for noise cancellation
Incredibly simple to use
LALAL.AI
Powerful and simple noise canceling directly in your browser.
Descript is an exceptional app with a sound remover that can help you easily cancel background noise and unwanted surround sounds.
It has a Studio Sound feature that uses AI to remove noise and echo and elevate speakers’ voices, thus improving your audio quality. It can make distorted recordings sound like professional-made audio.
Descript has a full effects suite with auto-leveling, loudness normalization, and room tone with creative and quality features such as compression, EQ, reverb, and many more.
Besides these features, it also offers a screen recorder with transcripts, faster exports, instant editing, and personalization of the thumbnails on your shared videos.
Furthermore, it has a well-developed feature that provides quality voiceovers for corrections to podcasts and screen recordings by plainly typing in the correction.
Take a look at the other good features of this noise cancelling software app:
This is quite a simple noise gate software that is intended for use with VOIPs such as Skype to cancel the background noise and provide you with an enhanced experience while you are talking to your buddies.
Simply said, this skillful program can remove your background noise effectively and help you to have a crystal-clear sound while talking in your meetings.
More so, it’s a lightweight app that routes through audio input to an audio output. The audio quality is analyzed to see if the sound level is higher than the average.
You can as well to use it with your microphone to see your voice in the headphones. Hence it’s possible to remove all background noise from your part too. Basically, it works as a mic filter software as well.
Lastly, this program requires Java 7 or higher to run in Windows and Mac alike.
Check out the most important features that are packed in this app:
NoiseGator is a lightweight app that is also effortless to use.
It routes the audio through an audio input to an audio output.
The app is able to analyze in real time the audio level, and if the audio level is higher than the threshold, the audio will bypass as normal.
If the audio level goes below the threshold, the gate will close, and the audio is cut.
When you are using the app with a virtual audio cable, it will be able to act as a noise gate for either a sound input such as a microphone, or sound output such as speakers.
The app can also be used to gate noise from your very own mic or play your mic through your speakers.
SoliCall developed a patented technology for improving the audio quality in telephony.
SoliCall’s audio noise reduction software includes innovative noise reduction, client, and cloud-based echo cancellation as well.
With this tool, you will be able to easily improve the audio quality in any type of phone call. Choosing this tool is beneficial for anyone who needs a better sound quality and robust noise cancelation functionality.
Check out the most impressive features of the software below:
This innovative technology has been improved over the years by solving highly complex audio quality issues.
The technology is used worldwide to filter millions of phone calls each day.
SoliCall customers include developers of communication software, call centers, conference bridge providers, and network operators and organizations all over the world.
It boosts the audio quality of the calls.
SoliCall also has a dedicated support team that will help users analyze the audio behavior in their systems and will guide them on the best tuning to enhance the sound quality in their environments.
The app comes with innovative and patented noise reduction technology, and it’s compatible with lots of devices and platforms. It is also available for cloud-based communications.
The Andrea PC Audio Software provides the latest Audio Commander and noise cancellation filters that you can use with Andrea USB devices. The service supports Windows.
This rich-featured tool comes with qualitative solutions such as speaker noise removal from VoIP received audio, so anyone can enhance sound audio quality in minutes.
More so, it includes aggressive noise cancelation to stay apart from disturbing loud noise. Plus, the graphic equalizer and microphone recording capabilities will change your sound settings to improve your audio immediately.
therefore with such an intuitive platform and qualitative sound you will get no distractions during important video calls or while recording your own voice.
Take a look at the essential features that come with Andrea PC Audio Software:
The app is able to provide noise cancellation, and the speaker output is enhanced with Andrea’s PureAudio noise reduction for removing noise from your VoIP received audio.
By cleaning up the signal that you are listening to, you will enhance intelligibility.
The Aggressive PureAusio noise reduction on the speaker output will remove even more noise from your VoIP received audio.
The software comes with a high fidelity ten band Graphic Equalizer with preset selections for specific control of the bass, mid-range and treble audio levels for customizing the sound tone to best fit your favorite music type.
The app also comes with microphone recording features such as stereo noise cancellation, acoustic echo cancellation, light beamforming, aggressive beam forming, beam direction, microphone boost, and many more.
Samson Sound Deck for Windows is a noise cancellation software for PC that is able to expand the capability of your computer communication and recording as well.
The software is inspired by the digital audio processing technology that is used in the cockpits of military fighter jets.
The program is powered by state-of-the-art digital noise reduction algorithms that produce crystal clear communications and recordings in any environment.
Check out the most impressive features that are packed in Samson Sound Deck:
This is the ultimate tool for home and office VoIP communication, voice recognition software, gaming and recordingmusic and audio for YouTube videos, webinars and more.
Samson Sound Deck Windows will reside on your computer’s taskbar always improving sound quality and removing repetitive background noises.
The software lets you control lots of filters.
If your surrounding suddenly becomes quieter, you can just turn off the Digital Noise Reduction and utilize the unfiltered sound that is captured by the microphone.
Samson Sound Deck Windows includes a digital audio recorder with simple file saving and export functionalities.
The built-in recorder is perfect for recording voice memos, or full audio files for webinars.
The merging of the Samson Sound Deck Windows with Samson’s USB microphones will result in some of the most advanced computer VoIP communication and recording solutions that are available these days.
Therefore you’ll be able to rejoice at the sound quality and provide stunning recording sessions for the projects you really believe in.
These are currently the best five solutions that you can find for canceling noise.
Check out all their features and according to your needs decide which program is the best one for you and is ideal for providing the best noise-canceling features.
They all come packed with tons of impressive features that you can check out in more detail by heading to their official websites.
We hope you managed to find out which is the best noise cancelling software for you from the list above. Let us know your choice in the lines below.
The hype level stays the same, it’s just different products we get excited about every year. The last couple of years of technological advancement brought an entirely new market. And that’s VR.
But VR isn’t just Oculus Rift anymore. There’s a whole new world to be explored, with thousands of options. From VR headsets to games and apps running on those headsets.
As the VR market is relatively new, chances are you’re not in it yet. And there’s no better time to dive into this new world of virtual reality than now.
To save you some time and energy (and money, of course), we compiled a list of the best VR deals. So, all you have to do is choose what’s right for you, and your journey into VR can start.
Note: All the prices and offers in this article are subject to change, so be sure to check the official product page to get the latest deal. If the product or offer you’re looking for is no longer available, you can try to find it on its official manufacturer page or get another one from our list.
You can’t even think about going VR without astrong GPUto power it. And there’s no better time to upgrade your computer than now.
HTC VIVE Cosmos comes with its own mixed-reality headset. Sure, it’s not as powerful as some better-known alternatives, but this device is a pretty good deal for the price.
You will have access to the VR library store from where you can play your favorite VR games and apps.
Pansonite 3D VR Glasses Virtual Reality Headset for Games & 3D Movies is great and comes upgraded from the previous model and the lightweight is adjustable.
The VR is compatible with all iPhones, and Android phones that are within 4.7-6 inches.
It’s easy to use with the design that helps dissipate the heat from the head area while the adjustable T-shaped straps will help reduce the pressure around the face by balancing the head stress.
With a system developed based on Android 5.1, it has a 2560*1440 super clear screen, S900 quad-core ARM Architecture A53 architecture, main frequency up to 1.7G processor, and a 3G running memory,
With the large storage, you can use the Wi-Fi connection to download massive resources online and play your favorite games as well as watch your favorite movies.
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset comes along with controllers, batteries, and a display port along with a manual of instructions. But don’t worry about it, there is nothing complicated about using this VR.
This headset comes with a high level of comfort, enriching your overall experience. And with the built-in VR library, it is definitely something worth trying.
HTC VIVE is one of the most known and popular virtual reality headsets. So, you can hardly go wrong with this one.
It boasts one of the most diverse ecosystems, as more than 2500 apps and games are currently compatible with this device, including the full integration with Steam VR, so you can enjoy all the benefits of your favorite gaming platform in VR.
Realtek HD Audio Manager is an essential component of the audio system of any standard PC, but many users reported that their headphones are not working via it.
The problem is not new and can arise due to several reasons. Usually, identifying the underlying case is a task in itself, but we will help you fix things Realtek is not detecting headphones.
Why are my headphones not working with Realtek?
Here are some of the reasons why the Realtek headphones are not detected or working:
Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible drivers – These cases can lead to issues with the headphones, but it’s usually the outdated drivers to blame.
Issues with the connection – In some cases, the connection was improper, which led to Realtek not detecting the headset mic.
Misconfigured settings – If the input mode or audio settings are misconfigured, chances are that you will face trouble with the Realtek headphones.
What can I do if headphones are not working in Realtek HD Audio Manager?
Before we move to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones that might work:
With the headphone still plugged in, restart the computer and check if it works.
If the previous one didn’t work, restart the computer with unplugged headphones beforehand.
Update Windows to the latest available version.
If these fixes don’t work, head to the ones listed next.
1. Disable front panel jack detection
Launch the Realtek HD Audio Manager, and click on the folder icon near the right.
Now, tick the checkbox for Disable front panel jack detection, and click OK to save the changes.
Once done, restart the computer and check whether the Realtek HD audio manager headphones are still not working if that’s the case, head to the following method.
2. Set the headphone as the default device
Connect the headphone to the computer.
Press Windows + S to open Search, type Change system sounds in the text field, and click on the relevant search result.
Navigate to the playback tab, right-click on the headphone, and then select Set as Default Device.
Again, right-click on the headphone, and select Properties.
Go to the Advanced tab, untick the checkbox for Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device, and click OK to save the changes.
Now, restart the computer and verify if the headphones start to work.
3. Update the audio drivers
Press Windows + R to open Run, type devmgmt.msc, and click OK.
Expand Sound, video and game controllers, right-click on the headphone, and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers and wait for Windows to install the best one.
Once done, things should work if earlier Realtek HD Audio Manager had no headset option and the headphones were not working.
If the solution mentioned above didn’t seem to work, we recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a tool that will automatically find and update all outdated drivers on your system.
Outbyte Driver Updater
Have your Realtek driver updated along with all other outdated drivers in no time.
Press Windows + X to open the Power User menu, and select Device Manager.
Expand the Sounds, video and game controllers entry, right-click on Realtek audio, and select Uninstall device.
Now, tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and click on Uninstall.
Once done, restart the computer, and Windows will automatically install a fresh copy of the driver.
If you encounter a problem after Windows undergoes an update, disable automatic driver updates. Things should be fine if earlier Asus Realtek HD audio manager headphones were not working.
File Explorer is one of the most critical Windows utilities, as it allows you to access all your files and folders in one place. However, sometimes, the File Explorer is not responding and causes issues.
Users recently noted that they cannot open File Explorer and are getting an error message that reads: An attempt was made to reference a token that does not exist. According to the users, they started experiencing these issues immediately after a Windows update.
Why am I getting the Attempt made to reference a token that doesn’t exist error?
If you are getting the An attempt was made to reference a token that does not exist error, it could be due to one or more of the following reasons:
Corrupt registry – When you have a corrupt registry on your hands, it can cause errors and other problems with your computer. This is why we recommend using a registry cleaner periodically as part of your maintenance plans.
Problematic installations – If you’re having this problem too, chances are it has something to do with incompatible software installed on your system. This means that you have probably installed some new software recently, and it has caused problems.
Corrupt windows update – Sometimes, if one of these updates is incomplete or broken, it can upset how your computer functions and lead to such errors.
How can I fix the An attempt was made to reference a token that does not exist error?
1. Repair corrupt files
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: cd %WINDIR%\System32for /f %s in ('dir /b *.dll') do regsvr32 /s %s
Restart your PC.
If you aren’t sure about performing this manually, then you can opt for a specialized tool to scan your PC comprehensively and automatically repair all the corrupted files.
2. Run DISM and SFC commands
Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Restorehealth
Allow for the command to be executed, then type in the next one: sfc /scannow
3. Uninstall recently installed programs
Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.
Select Uninstall a program under Programs.
Navigate to the latest install and click on Uninstall.
Navigate to Windows Update and select Advanced options.
Scroll down and select Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, select Restart now.
Select Troubleshoot.
Click on Advanced options.
Now, click on Go back to the previous build.
If you have installed a Windows update that causes problems, you can restore your PC to its previous state. This will keep all your files but replaces all files in your system folders with the older versions of those files.
5. Reset Windows
Hit the Windows key and select Settings.
Navigate to Windows Update and select Advanced options.
Click on Recovery options, then under Reset this PC hit the Reset PC button.
Select Keep my files.
If reverting to a previous Windows version doesn’t do the trick, resetting your PC might be the answer. When you reset your PC, it returns the system to its original factory settings.
This means that all your files and apps are removed from the computer, returning to the state you were in when you first got them. Remember to back up all your files, so you don’t lose any critical information.
No doubt, you have at least heard of the Sims games at least once in your life. We say that because this gaming franchise is surely among the top 5 most popular ones in the world so far.
This simulator has managed to gain tens of millions of fans worldwide, and users are still playing old versions of the game such as The Sims 2, even though Sims 4 has been out for quite some time.
However, people still playing Sims 2 on Windows 10/11 are talking about a DirectX error that leaves them unable to play.
Lucky for you, today we are about to focus on this nasty issue and show you what you can do to fix it.
Why do I get the Sims 2 DirectX 9 error?
As with most games nowadays, such errors don’t just happen for one reason. The Sims 2 DirectX 9 error can be triggered by random game or PC bugs, corrupted game files, or maybe even outdated software or drivers.
You should know that incompatibility issues with other programs that are running on your PC can be another cause, along with a faulty or nonexistent internet connection.
There are many causes for the Sims 2 DirectX 9.0c error on Windows 10 or Windows 11, and we are about to show you how to fix it.
How can I fix the Sims 2 DirectX error?
1. On Windows 11
1.1 Restart your PC
We’re going to start you off with a pretty simple solution from this troubleshooting process. However, even though it is simple, it might very well prove to be the most effective one.
What is that, you ask? A simple system restart should do the trick and get rid of the DirectX 9 Sims 2 error, according to other users who were in the same situation.
Simply restart your PC and everything should go back to normal. If not, the following steps in this guide will surely help you overcome the issue.
1.2 Run The Sims 2 as an administrator
Navigate to the folder where The Sims 2 is installed.
Right-click the Sims 2 executable and select Run as administrator.
1.3 Update your GPU
Search for Device Manager and open the app.
Expand Display adapters, then right-click on our GPU and select Update driver.
Select Search automatically for drivers.
1.4 Update Windows
PressWindows+Ito access Settings.
Select the Windows updates tab and click Install all.
If no updates are queued for installation, press the Check for updates button
Navigate to the folder where The Sims 2 is installed.
Right-click the Sims 2 executable and select Run as administrator.
2.2 Update your graphics card driver
1. Search for Device Manager and open the app.
2. Expand the Display adapters section.
3. Locate and right-click on your GPU in the list and select Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.
5. Wait for the new drivers to be updated, then check whether the Sims 2 DirectX error persists.
If you’re a Windows 10 user encountering the Sims 2 DirectX 9 error, updating your GPU is a method that is likely to solve it. This can be done quite easily via Device Manager.
2.3 Update your Windows
Press Win + I to access Settings.
Select the Update & Security tab.
Select the Windows Update tab and press the Check for updates button.
2.4 Manually download and install DirectX 9
Download DirectX 9.0c redistributable from June 2010 from the official website.
Run the directx_Jun2010_redist.exe setup file as an administrator.
Can I play The Sims 2 on Xbox Series X|S or Playstation 5?
Unfortunately, no, you can’t. There is no backward compatibility for this vintage game, so there’s no playing it on next-gen consoles just yet.
There have been some rumors about a remastered version of The Sims 2 in the works, but most Sims fans are waiting on Sims 5 after the fourth title was such a big hit.
If you want to play the vintage Sims 2, you have to look at machines/operating systems that will run it, first of all.
But, to answer your question, no, there’s no Sims 2 for Xbox Series X|S, or Sony’s latest PlayStation5. However, if you play it on your Windows PC, at least you have the guarantee it works.
Has this guide helped you fix the Sims 2 DirectX 9 error on your Windows 10/11 PC? Let us know in the comments section below.
![5 Best 144hz Monitor Black Friday Deals [IPS, 1080p, 1440p]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Gaming-monitor.jpg)
When the demonic Lilith and her fearsome horde unite with the evil armies of Hydra, it’s time to unleash Marvel’s dark side. As The Hunter, your mission is to lead an unlikely team of seasoned heroes and dangerous supernatural warriors to victory. Can legends such as Doctor Strange, Iron Man, and Blade put aside their differences in the face of a growing apocalyptic threat? If you’re going to save the world, you’ll have to forge alliances and lead the team into battle as the legendary Midnight Suns.
![5 Best 144 Hz Monitors to Buy [Black Friday & Cyber Monday]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/dual-monitor-black-friday.jpg)
![Steering Wheel Deals [Pc, Xbox, Racing]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/steering-wheel.jpeg)
![5 Best Razer Laptops For Gaming [2026 Guide]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Best-Razer-laptops-for-gaming.jpg)
![5 Jabra Elite Earbuds on Cyber Monday [65T, 75T]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Jabra-Elite-Black-friday-1.jpeg)
![5 Best Game Capture Cards for Twitch [Cyber Monday]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Game-capture-card-gaming.jpg)
![6 Best Virtual Reality Goggles [Cyber Monday Deals & Sales]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/VR-headset.jpg)
![Attempt Made to Reference a Token That Doesn’t Exist [Fix]](https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Attempt-made-to-a-token-does-not-exist.jpg)
